Great Sapa Classic Tour

Sapa is a former French hill station situated in the valleys near the Chinese border. Its high elevation of 1,600 meters creates its cool climate. This inspired the French to build villas there as a summer retreat. Today, Sapa still attracts visitors far its stunning scenery, comfortable climate, colorful markets, and a variety of ethnic hill tribes living in nearby villages.

Tour duration: 5 days 4nights tour (2 nights train; 2 hotels)
Tour start from: Hanoi
Ends in: Hanoi
Grade: Moderation 
Group size: From 2 people minimum and above
Activities: walking and sightseeing
Tour commencement date: upon request
Highlights: Sapa hill station, daily life of ethnic people such as black H’Mong, red Ziao, Tay, Ziay.

Itinerary In Brief
Day 1: Hanoi – Lao Cai (night train)
Day 2: Lao Cai – Sapa (overnight in hotel)
Day 3: Sapa walking around and to villages
Day 4: Sapa – Lao Cai (overnight back to Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi arrival day (early morning)

Tour price: please enquire for availabilities & the most up date price

Please note:
Tour start from Monday tour can be extend to see colorful market of Coc Ly in Tuesday morning
Tour start from Wednesday tour can be extend to see market of Lung Khau Nhinh Thursday morning
Tour start from Friday tour can be extend to see Can Cau market in Saturday morning
Tour start from Saturday tour can be extend to see colorful market of Bac Ha in Sunday morning 

Tour Price Included
Accommodation in superior hotels and home stays with daily breakfast
(Hotels can be upgraded or down grade upon request)
Meals as stated in the program (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Diner)
(3 breakfast; 3 lunches)
Air-conditioned vehicles for all transportations
Return night train tickets (A/C soft berth carbine)
Local English speaking guide
Sightseeing and entrance fees

Tour Price Excluded
Travel insurance (compulsory)
International air-tickets and airport departure taxes
Vietnam visa entrance
Pre and post accommodations (can be advice upon booking time)
Meals not mentioned in the program
Optional tours and activities during free time
Personal expense
Tips and items of a personal nature

 Day 1: Hanoi –Lao Cai 
To day there are no activities included or city tour optional. So you will be free at the leisure until meeting our guide at the hotel lobby to transfer to Hanoi station to board overnight train to Lao Cai.   

Day 2: Lao Cai – Sapa
Arrive early morning in Lao Cai and take a vehicle to Sapa (approx. 45 mins). Check into the hotel, freshen up and have breakfast. We then start with a five to six hour trek to the hill tribe villages of Cat Cat, Ta Van and Cau May. As we walk through these villages nestled in the valleys below Sapa, we will meet some of the local ethnic minority people. These minority people, including the Red Zao, H'mong and Tay people, walk to Sapa people trade at the markets. Overnight in Sapa town. (B/L)

Day 3: Sapa walking
Today we walk to Ham Rong Mountain for a panoramic view of Sapa and its surrounds. Once we have come back down, we will then drive six kilometers out of town. From here we commence an hour-long walk to Ta Phin, situated in a wide valley and surrounded by rice paddies. Ta Phin is a Dao community. Dao women are particularly striking as they wear a large red turban often covered with old coins or jewelry. They also shave their hair and eyebrows: Here we have the opportunity to visit a Zao household and learn a little about their way of life. From here we will return to Sapa for lunch and have free time in the afternoon. (B, L).

Day 4: Sapa – Lao Cai- Hanoi
Today we have an optional market day trip. Depending on the day of the week, this may either be Bac Ha (Sunday), home to the flower H'mong hill tribe minority people or Can Cau takes part on Saturday, Coc Ly on Tuesday_ Alternatively you may relax in Sapa town and enjoy the views and local restaurants. Early evening we head back to Lao Cai for an overnight train back to Hanoi. (B,L)

Day 5: Hanoi arrival
We arrive back to Hanoi station in the early morning. Our guide will arrange a transfer back to your hotel.